Do you think heritage railways are worth the money we spend on them?

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer last week revealed the figures of generated income and running costs for the island’s public transportation in 2018/19 in Tynwald.

The bus service brought in £3,777,560 in income compared to the running costs of £9,468,237, heritage railways - Steam Railway, MER and Mountain Railway - generated £1,956,551 in income compared to £3,812,388 in costs and the horse trams cost £411,532 to run while bringing in £87,088.

We asked residents for their thoughts on the statistics and when they last used these public services.

’I use the bus everyday,’ said Louise Venter, 34, from Douglas. ’I’ve been on the steam train once and I’ve never been on the horse tram. I think it’s important to keep the heritage transport especially in the Isle of Man as it’s something that will draw in people.

’With the buses, I’m not sure what people - who use them - would do if they weren’t running.’

Ryan Kerwin, 37, from Glen Vine, said: ’I was shocked by the figures. I thought buses would’ve done better. They could do more advertising on the buses. The UK buses are littered with advertising.

’I use the buses every day. It’s essential for me. Last year I went on the steam train with the kids. They love the train and trams. I think it’s worth keeping them. It’s a Manx heritage thing and brings in tourists. They stopped the train from Douglas to Peel. I think that’s a big loss and something that they might have regretted at that stage.’

Lisa Taylor, 35, from Union Mills, and friend Rebecca Marran, 25, from Ballasalla, were both going on the train the very next day when we spoke to them.

’It’s my first time going on the steam train,’ said Rebecca. ’I’ve lived here for 11 years - I’m from Leeds.’

Lisa said: ’We went last year. My little boy loves the train.’

Rebecca added: ’I don’t like the horse trams. I think its cruel and a pain for the drivers to get around. You feel mean saying that, but it can’t be nice for the horse which must feel stressed.’

Her friend said: ’We might fall out over this. I’m Manx and I’m proud of the horse trams. I was gutted when they said there were going to get rid of them.’

Vincent Westwood, 90, Port Soderick, said: ’I use the buses once a week, but now that the children are off from school I cannot use them.’

He explained that the bus service is limited in his area, with a service running during school terms only.

’I think the different transports should continue. People come to the island to see these things,’ he said.

He believes the department should be ’more sensible with spending money’.

Andrew Barnett, 56, from Douglas, said: ’It’s all part of the culture. The horse trams are particularly unique. It’s part of our history and it’s very important to keep that. I’ve got a car, but for the elderly and those who cannot drive and live somewhere like Maughold they need buses.’

Looking at the figures, he said: ’That’s horrendous really. If that was a company it would be shut down and bankrupt.’